We love celebrating milestones and achievements with you. These are the moments that made us smile during September.
MIWA Rugby World Cup 2023 pool on Superbru
It was great to see our members getting behind our team by donning the green and gold for Bokke Friday! Check out the team from Finn Auto Repairs doing their thing every Friday to support the Bokke!! PS – check out our socials to find out about the MIWA pool on Superbru.
Finn Auto Repairs supported the annual St Francis Hospice Champagne Breakfast
Finn Auto Repairs showed its heart with Funky Sock Day in support of Breadline Africa. The workshop also supported the annual St Francis Hospice Champagne Breakfast this month, hosting a table for the fifth year in a row. Finn Auto Repairs donated three prizes, and Bridget Finn created the floral centrepiece for the table. “It’s always special to support a good cause and remember those we lost,” she says.
Dynotech hosts a ladies’ event
Dynotech joined forces with Retha Notley, owner of Cosette’s in Bloemfontein, to host a ladies’ event. Dynotech used the platform to educate guests about MIWA and why it is important to service your car at a MIWA accredited workshop. The event also included presentations about personal health and wellness from a personal trainer, along with fun challenges that gave each participant a chance to win exciting prizes, including a R4,500 voucher to conduct their vehicle’s Stage One software at Dynotech. Each of the 22 guests received a goodie bag, and we already have a list of women hoping to attend our next event.
Tata Motors International Techfest Skill Competition winne
A huge congratulations to Mike de Langa of Mike De Langa Service Centre, who beat 12,000 participating technicians to take first place in the Tata Motors International Techfest Skill Competition.
Mobile MedCare unit – an exciting innovation from Kempston
Kempston has launched an exciting innovation in the form of a mobile MedCare unit, which allows workshops to conduct staff medicals onsite. Peter van Mosseveld and Teresa Spenser Higgs were most impressed when they attended the launch.
The MedCare mobile unit focuses on occupational healthcare and is able to do medical examinations in line with Industry standards eg:
- Comprehensive medical History
- Full Physical
- Blood pressure
- Urinalysis
- Height, weight, BMI
- HGI
- Peak flow Lung Test
- Audiogram
- Keystone Vision screening
They are also able to do risk assessments and assist with an employee wellness programme, tailormade to any size business big or small, and being mobile they can come to you which is a great advantage.
First-ever Tiger Tech Fest at Dan Pienaar Technical High School
Don’t forget to diarise 28 October, when MIWA joins forces with Dan Pienaar Technical High School to host the first-ever Tiger Tech Fest. Look forward to stalls, food, kids’ entertainment, live entertainment, prizes – and, of course, Motor Mech, featuring displays from parts suppliers, new vehicle manufacturers and workshops, competitions and a vehicle workshop for women. There will also be a big screen to watch the Rugby World Cup final! Entrance is R10 per person, and for children under 13 entry is free.
Also if you missed it, this amazing school featured on Carte Blanche on Heritage Day. Here is a clip to watch:
The Technical Schools Competition Provincial Finals
Reemo Swartz recently judged the Technical Schools Skills Competition Provincial Finals which took place from 31 August through to 2 September. He was very impressed with the knowledge and skills possessed by up-and-coming members of the industry and this year the teachers even participated in the competition showing why the students are as good as they are.
Having started in 2018 with a sole focus on welding, the competition now comprises nine specialisations and is attended by students from all over the Free State – although plans are in place to extend it to other provinces.
Winners of the Automotive skills competition included Unathi Kula from HTS Welkom, Jacques Smit from HTS Sasolburg and Olebogeng Merafe from HTS Welkom, who will go on to represent South Africa at the Junior World Skills Competition.
Thanks to Basil Field from Diesel Electric Bloemfontein, Dewald Ranft from Dynotech, and Jonathan Stanfley from JM Automotive for their sponsorship and support.
“Seeing the passion the teachers had and their willingness to share their knowledge with younger teachers is what stood out for me in the competition. From a student perspective, it was truly an eye-opener of how many scholars are dedicated to bettering their skills and becoming the best in their field. The competition seems to be getting harder every year, but this does not seem to slow down the competitors as they can handle anything thrown at them and more,” says Reemo.
MIWA magic at Automechanika
Well done to all who helped create MIWA magic at Automechanika. It was inspiring to see everyone coming together to focus on how we can improve our offering and value proposition for members. This teamwork spirit was very much in evidence during our strat session, where we also discussed our future plans. The session was also a great opportunity for new members Morne de Jager and Kaya Dlavana to meet everyone in person. Thank you all for the motivating insights and energy!
Heritage Day celebrations
Finally happy Heritage Day for Sunday 24 September. We hope you celebrated not just the rich cultural heritage of all South Africans but also the incredible diversity within the motor vehicle repair industry. Heritage Day reminds us that our industry is made up of passionate individuals from all walks of life, united by their dedication to keeping South Africa’s vehicles in top shape.
Just as South Africa’s Heritage Day has evolved into Braai Day for many, we understand that there are different ways to honour this day. Some of us may choose to embrace the tradition of a braai, while others may spend the day celebrating their unique cultural heritage, visiting museums, and participating in events that represent their own history.
We want to take a moment to express our gratitude to YOU, our incredible community of followers, industry professionals, and supporters. Your commitment and contributions to our industry are what drive us forward. If you have any great photos of you flipping boerewors over a fire or immersing yourself in your cultural heritage, please forward them for next month’s magic moment section.
Let’s continue to embrace our differences, learn from one another, and build a brighter future for the motor vehicle repair industry. Together, we’re steering toward a world of endless possibilities.